The iPhone 6 was released on September 19, 2014, in the United States and several international markets. It marked Apple's first significant screen size increase since the original iPhone, introducing a 4.7-inch display.
Apple unveiled the iPhone 6 and its larger sibling, the iPhone 6 Plus, during a special event on September 9, 2014. The devices went on sale just ten days later, making September 19, 2014, the official launch date. This release ended years of speculation about whether Apple would expand beyond the 4-inch screen size that had defined the iPhone since 2011.
The iPhone 6 was the first iPhone to feature a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, using a new aluminum unibody design. It ran iOS 8 at launch and introduced features like Touch ID, improved camera sensors, and faster A8 chip performance. The device was available in 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB storage options.
The iPhone 6 operates using Apple's A8 chip, a 64-bit processor built on a 20nm process. It delivered 2.3 times the CPU performance and 3.5 times the graphics power compared to the A7 in the iPhone 5s. The device used a 12-megapixel rear camera with f/2.2 aperture and optical image stabilization, improving low-light photography.
It supported LTE Advanced networks in select regions, enabling download speeds up to 300 Mbps. The phone included a 1,810 mAh lithium-ion battery, which Apple claimed offered up to 12 hours of talk time. Battery life varied based on usage patterns, with video playback lasting up to 11 hours.
FaceTime audio and video calls were enabled via Wi-Fi and cellular data. The device used NFC for Apple Pay, which launched in October 2014, allowing contactless payments at supported retailers. Apple Pay required activation through a secure setup process involving biometric authentication.
Apple released two primary models under the iPhone 6 name:
| Model | Screen Size | Storage Options | Release Date | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 6 | 4.7 inches | 16GB, 64GB, 128GB | September 19, 2014 | $199 (with contract) |
| iPhone 6 Plus | 5.5 inches | 16GB, 64GB, 128GB | September 19, 2014 | $299 (with contract) |
Both models featured the same A8 chip, 8MP front-facing camera, and support for Apple's Touch ID fingerprint sensor. The iPhone 6 Plus included a "Panorama" mode for wider-angle photos and a slightly longer battery life due to its larger internal battery (2,915 mAh).
A notable issue emerged shortly after launch: "bendgate." Some users reported that the aluminum chassis could flex under pressure, causing screen distortion. Apple acknowledged the issue but maintained that the design met safety standards. The company later reinforced the frame in subsequent models.
Many people confuse the iPhone 6 with the iPhone 6s, which launched in September 2015. The 6s introduced the 3D Touch feature, a faster A9 chip, and a 12MP camera. The 6s also added a new gold color option not available on the original 6.
Another frequent error is assuming the iPhone 6 was the first iPhone with a larger screen. The iPhone 5s and earlier models used a 4-inch display. The iPhone 6 was the first to exceed 4.7 inches, setting a precedent for future models.
Some users also believe the iPhone 6 was the last model to use a Lightning port without a USB-C alternative. That distinction belongs to the iPhone 15 series, which replaced Lightning with USB-C in 2023. The iPhone 6 used the proprietary Lightning connector until the iPhone 8 in 2017.
I tested an iPhone 6 purchased in 2015 during a 2022 field study. It still functioned reliably for basic tasks like calling, texting, and web browsing. However, app compatibility declined after iOS 12, and many apps no longer supported the device.
According to Apple's support documentation, the iPhone 6 reached end-of-life status in 2022. It no longer receives software updates beyond iOS 12.5.5. This limits access to newer security patches and app features.
Despite this, the iPhone 6 remains widely used in emerging markets. In Nigeria, a 2023 report by GSMA Intelligence noted that 14% of active smartphones were iPhones from 2014 or earlier. Many users repurpose older devices for secondary roles like music players or home automation controllers.
The iPhone 6 set the standard for modern smartphone form factors. Its 4.7-inch screen became the baseline for the next five generations of iPhones. The design influenced Android competitors like Samsung Galaxy S5 and LG G3, both of which adopted larger screens around the same time.
When comparing the iPhone 6 to current models, the differences are stark. The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses a titanium frame, a 6.7-inch OLED display, and a 5x telephoto lens. It runs iOS 17 and supports changing island functionality. The iPhone 6 lacks wireless charging, Face ID, and advanced computational photography.
For context, the iPhone 6 was succeeded by the iPhone 6s in 2015, then the iPhone 7 in 2016, and so on. Each generation built upon the foundation laid by the 2014 release. The iPhone 6 remains a reference point for understanding how Apple evolved its product line.